From Reykjavík: Þórsmörk 4x4 Day Tour (Family-friendly)
A family-friendly 4x4 Super-Jeep day trip from Reykjavík to Þórsmörk (Thorsmork). Includes pick-up, scenic drive across Hellisheiði, coffee stops in Hvolsvöllur, glacier visit at Gígjökull, a walk through Stakkholtsgjá canyon (Game of Thrones filming spot), off-road jeep exploration in Þórsmörk, a visit to Nauthúsagil ravine, and return to Reykjavík. Designed for families with children aged 8+ (Iñ
In Collaboration with Gravel Travel. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Gravel Travel, inspired by the tour From Reykjavik Thorsmork 4x4 Day Tour . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Super-Jeep river crossings and off-road ride into Þórsmörk
- Walk up to Gígjökull glacier (Eyjafjallajökull outlet)
- Explore Stakkholtsgjá canyon (Game of Thrones scenery)
- Hidden waterfall walk in Nauthúsagil ravine
- Comfortable pit stops in Hvolsvöllur for snacks and rest
Explore all itineraries in Hvolsvöllur.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided 4x4 adventure from Reykjavík into Þórsmörk valley. Pickup from Reykjavík, scenic drive across Hellisheiði, stops at Hvolsvöllur for refreshments, glacier edge walk, canyon exploration, off-road Þórsmörk ride and final stop at Nauthúsagil before returning to Reykjavík.
Pickup in Reykjavík (hotel or central meeting point)
Driver-guide picks you up from your Reykjavík accommodation or the central meeting point. Please have children properly secured with car seats if required by law.
Tips from local experts:
- Pickup is typically 30 minutes before the tour start — have kids ready with layers, snacks and water to avoid last‑minute delays.
- By Icelandic law children under 135 cm must use a child car seat — bring your own if required (tour reminder in booking).
- If meeting at the central stop, choose BSÍ Bus Terminal (easy for families with luggage and toilets nearby).
Scenic drive: Reykjavík → Hellisheiði plateau → Hvolsvöllur
Comfortable drive across the Hellisheiði plateau with commentary from your guide about Icelandic geology and safety briefing for river crossings and walking on uneven ground.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a sweater — Hellisheiði can be windy even in July; seat children near windows for views but ensure they remain buckled.
- This is a good time for a bathroom and snack break before arriving at Hvolsvöllur — restrooms are limited in the highlands.
- Take photos through the window early; parking stops are short — ask the guide if you need an extra pause for family photos.
Coffee & snack stop in Hvolsvöllur — family break
Stretch legs and grab hot drinks, pastries or simple lunch items. Quick comfort stop to use toilets and check gear before heading deeper into the highlands.
- Monday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday12:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday12:00 – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a family table — many local cafés like Kaffi Krús offer high chairs and homemade sandwiches suitable for kids.
- Refill water bottles here; there are no guaranteed shops deeper into Þórsmörk.
- Use the restroom and apply sunscreen/bug repellent — it’s the last longer stop before off-road terrain.
Gígjökull glacier edge walk (short, guided)
Short walk to the moraine / edge area of Gígjökull (an outlet glacier of Eyjafjallajökull). Guide explains the 2010 eruption impacts and glacier features. Terrain is uneven—suitable for families with children 8+.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Hiking shoes are essential — surfaces near the glacier are rocky and can be icy in shaded spots even in summer.
- Keep kids on a short leash (or close) near moraine edges; the guide will pick a safe viewing area for the family.
- Bring windproof layers and spare socks — a quick photo stop can get chilly and damp from glacier spray.
Stakkholtsgjá canyon walk and picnic (Game of Thrones filming spot)
Walk through the mossy, narrow Stakkholtsgjá canyon — magical for kids and adults. There are short steeper sections; picnic here (bring your own lunch) with the guide helping pick a sheltered spot.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Strollers are not suitable; carry small children in a front carrier if needed — parts of the canyon are narrow and rocky.
- Pack a simple picnic with sandwiches and snacks — local shops are limited and food isn't provided on the tour.
- Watch for wet moss and uneven steps — hold children’s hands on inclines and wear grippy shoes.
Super-Jeep off-road ride deeper into Þórsmörk + short family-friendly hike to viewpoint
Thrilling off-road river crossings in a Super-Jeep and a guided easy hike to a family-friendly viewpoint with glacier panoramas and wide, grassy areas for kids to run safely.
- Monday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- River crossings are exciting but noisy — if anyone is nervous, sit near the guide and follow safety instructions closely.
- Choose the easier trail options offered by the guide; they tailor hikes to the children's abilities.
- Bring a small first-aid kit and motion-sickness remedies if anyone is sensitive to bumpy rides.
Nauthúsagil ravine stroll and waterfall
Short, atmospheric walk through Nauthúsagil ravine beneath rowan trees to a small waterfall — an easy, sheltered stop ideal for winding down the day.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- The ravine is partially shaded and can be slippery — wear sturdy shoes and keep children close to avoid slips.
- This spot is great for quieter family photos — low light under the canopy makes for soft, memorable pictures.
- There are rocks and small steps — not stroller-friendly; bring a baby carrier if needed for little ones.
Return to Hvolsvöllur — last rest & refreshments
A final comfort stop in Hvolsvöllur for toilets, hot drinks and to stretch before the drive back to Reykjavík.
- Monday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday12:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday12:00 – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Use this stop to change damp socks and shoes — kids often enjoy a quick hot chocolate here.
- Confirm pickup/dropoff details with your guide and make sure any souvenirs are stowed safely for the drive.
- If you need a local SIM top-up or supplies, Hvolsvöllur has a small supermarket — do this now as the next stretch is remote.
Return drive to Reykjavík — drop-off at original pickup point
Comfortable drive back to Reykjavík with final photos and a short debrief from your guide. Expected arrival back in Reykjavík in the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Children often nap on the return — keep jackets handy in case the vehicle cools down when parked for drop-off.
- Confirm exact drop-off time and location during the Hvolsvöllur stop so families can prepare for evening plans.
- If you prefer an earlier drop-off in town, ask the guide — they often can accommodate reasonable requests within the route.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Break, Attraction, Outdoor, Experience |
